Collapsible Container

ABSTRACT

Provided is a collapsible container generally including a collapsible housing having a twistable and bendable frame member to enable the housing to be disposed in a deployed configuration during use and a stowed configuration during non-use. The collapsible housing may further include a plurality of side panels collectively forming an enclosure. The housing may additionally include a bottom panel connected to each of the side panels. Reinforcing straps may be connected to opposing side panels and extend across the side panels from a top portion of the side panel to a bottom portion of the side panel for providing support to the housing. The straps may extend upwards to form handles to facilitate carrying and transport of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/168,455, filed on Apr. 10, 2009, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The current invention relates in general to a collapsible container, and more particularly, to a collapsible container having a reinforcing structure on a side panel.

Collapsible containers are known that have four side panels, a bottom panel and an open top. Twist-and-fold frames support the side panels and the bottom panel in a deployed configuration. Conversely, the side panels can be folded against each other, with the flexible frames twisted into two or three overlapping loops or circles to traverse the collapsible container to a stowed configuration. To this end, the frames are typically resilient and flexible and the side panels are typically fabricated from a mesh material which may be stretched and folded. Such collapsible containers are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,188, 5,964,533, and 6,527,136 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Unfortunately, when the collapsible containers are used to carry heavy items, the flexible nature of the container can make it difficult to lift the collapsible container. For instance, the frames may deform or break and the side panels may stretch. Accordingly, collapsible containers as those identified above may not be optimal to carry heavy loads.

There is thus a need for an improved collapsible container to allow a person to carry loads (e.g., heavy or light) with the collapsible containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A collapsible container discussed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those known in the art. The collapsible container may generally include a collapsible housing having a twistable and bendable frame member to enable the housing to be disposed in a deployed configuration during use and a stowed configuration during non-use. The collapsible housing may further include four side panels collectively forming an enclosure. The housing may additionally include a bottom panel connected to the side panels. Reinforcing straps may be connected to opposed side panels to provide support thereto. The reinforcing straps may extend from a bottom end portion of the side panel to a top end portion of the side panel. The reinforcing straps may also extend above the side panels and form handles to facilitate carrying and transport of the container. A load placed in the collapsible container transfers its weight to the handles via the reinforcing straps such that the weight of the load may be transferred to the handles through the reinforcing straps instead of through the side panels which are typically fabricated from a stretchy mesh material.

It is also contemplated that the bottom panel may have a first part of a hooks and loops system and a floor of a car trunk may have a second part of the hooks and loops system. The first and second parts may be removably attachable to each other. The container may be placed in the trunk of a car with the first part engaged to the second part to prevent sliding of the container while the car is in motion. After the driver reaches his/her destination (e.g., home), the first part may be detached from the second part to remove the container from the trunk of the car. The first and second parts may be hooks and loops, respectively, or vice versa.

The collapsible container may be traversable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The collapsible container may comprise a collapsible housing including a frame fabricated from a resilient and flexible material. A plurality of side panels may be connected to the frame. The plurality of side panels may be fabricated from a flexible and stretchable material. A bottom panel may be connected to the plurality of side panels. The bottom panel may be fabricated from a flexible and generally inelastic material. The frame, the plurality of side panels and the bottom panel may be flexed to traverse the container to the stowed configuration for compact storage of the collapsible container. A first reinforcing strap may be connected to the bottom panel and be disposed adjacent a first panel of the plurality of side panels. The first reinforcing strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A second reinforcement strap may be connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent a second panel opposite from the first panel. The second reinforcement strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A handle system may be attached to the first and second reinforcement straps. The handle system, first and second straps and the generally inelastic bottom panel may support an item disposed within the collapsible housing when the user grasps the handle system to lift the item.

The first and second reinforcement straps may be connected to the frame. The first and second reinforcement straps may also be connected to the first and second panels.

The container may further include a bottom reinforcement strap disposed adjacent to the bottom panel and connected to the first reinforcement strap and the second reinforcement strap.

The handle system may include first and second handles attached to the first and second reinforcement straps, respectively. The first and second handles may be integrally formed with the first and second reinforcement straps.

The container may further include third and fourth reinforcement straps. The first and third reinforcement straps may be disposed adjacent the first panel in parallel relation to each other, and the second and fourth reinforcement straps may be disposed adjacent the second panel in parallel relation to each other. The handle system may include a first handle connected to the first and third reinforcement straps, and a second handle connected to the second and forth reinforcement straps.

The container may additionally include a mechanical fastener connected to the bottom panel for connecting the bottom panel to a support surface. The mechanical fastener may include one part of a hooks and loop fastening system. A second part of the hooks and loops casting system may be connected to the support surface. In use, the one part and the second part of the hooks and loops fastening system are removably attachable from each other.

A collapsible container may be provided for carrying an item, with the container being traversable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The collapsible container may include a collapsible housing including a frame fabricated from a resilient and flexible material and a plurality of side panels connected to the frame. The plurality of side panels may be fabricated from a flexible and stretchable material. A bottom portion may be connected to the plurality of side panels. The bottom portion may be fabricated from a flexible and generally inelastic material. The frame, the plurality of side panels, and bottom portion may be flexed to traverse the container to the stowed configuration for compact storage of the collapsible container. A first reinforcement strap may be connected to the bottom portion of the collapsible housing and disposed adjacent a first panel of the plurality of side panels. The first reinforcement strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A second reinforcement strap may be connected to the bottom portion of the collapsible housing and disposed adjacent a second panel opposite from the first panel. The second reinforcement strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A handle system may be attached to the first and second reinforcement straps. The handle system, first and second reinforcement straps and the bottom portion of the housing may support the item disposed within the collapsible housing when the user lifts the collapsible housing with the handle system.

The handle system may include a first handle connected to the first reinforcement strap, and a second handle connected to the second reinforcement strap.

The collapsible container may further include third and fourth reinforcement straps. The first and third reinforcement straps may be disposed adjacent the first side panel in parallel relation to each other, and the second fourth reinforcement straps may be disposed adjacent the second side panel in parallel relation to each other. The handle system may include a first handle connected to the first and third reinforcement straps, and a second handle connected to the second and forth reinforcement straps.

The container may further include a mechanical fastener connected to the bottom portion of the collapsible housing for connecting the bottom portion to a support surface. The mechanical fastener may include one part of a hooks and loop fastening system.

A collapsible container may be provided for carrying an item. The container may be traversable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The collapsible container may include a collapsible housing including a frame fabricated from a resilient and flexible material and a plurality of side panels connected to the frame. The plurality of side panels may be fabricated from a flexible and stretchable material. A bottom panel may be connected to the plurality of side panels. The bottom panel may be fabricated from a flexible material. The frame, the plurality of side panels and the bottom panel may be flexed to traverse the container to the stowed configuration for compact storage of the collapsible container. A first reinforcing strap may be connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent one of the plurality of side panels. The first reinforcing strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A second reinforcement strap may be connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent an opposed panel of the plurality of side panels. The second reinforcement strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A handle system may be attached to the first and second reinforcement straps. The handle system may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. A bottom reinforcement strap may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material. The bottom reinforcement strap may be connected to the first reinforcement strap and the second reinforcement strap for transferring weight of the item from the bottom reinforcement strap. The handle system, first and second straps and the bottom panel may support the item disposed within the collapsible housing when a user grasps the handle system to lift the container.

The collapsible container will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a container with reinforcing straps and handles;

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of the container frame depicted in FIG. 1 with the container being folded to a stowed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the container showing a first pair of side reinforcing straps connected to a side panel of the container;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the container showing a second pair of side reinforcing straps connected to an opposed side panel of the container;

FIG. 4A is a right end view of the container with an open top of the container in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4B is a left end view of the container with the open top of the container in an open configuration;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the container illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the container illustrated in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the container having a pair of bottom straps extending across a bottom panel;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the container having reinforcing straps and handles on the end side panels;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the container having reinforcing straps and handles of the end side panels;

FIG. 8A is an end view of the container illustrated in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B is an end view of the container illustrated in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 9A is an upper perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the container having closure straps attached to an exterior side of the container;

FIG. 9B is an upper perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the container having closure straps on the exterior side of the container;

FIG. 9C is an upper perspective of a sixth embodiment of the container having closure straps on the exterior side of the container;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 5A; and

FIG. 10A is an alternate view of the cross section of the container shown in FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-10A illustrate various embodiments of a collapsible container 10. The collapsible container 10 may generally include a collapsible housing 12 (see FIG. 1) having twistable and bendable frame members 14 (see FIG. 1) to enable the housing 12 to be disposed in a deployed configuration during use and a stowed configuration (see FIG. 1A) during non-use. The frame member 14 may be resilient and flexible to enable twisting and bending thereof.

The collapsible housing 12 may further include four side panels 16 (i.e., two lateral side panels 16a (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and two end side panels 16b (see FIG. 5A)); however, it is contemplated that the container 10 may include any number of side panels 16. The side panels 16 may be fabricated from a bendable and stretchable material (e.g., mesh fabric) so as to enable bending and twisting of the side panels 16 such that the housing 12 is traversable between the stowed and deployed configurations, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. For instance, the side panels 16 may be formed out of a fabric material, including but not limited to solid fabric, mesh fabric, a polymer based material such as plastic, or other flexible materials that allow the folding of the container 10 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration. Each side panel 16 defines a periphery, as well as a top portion and a bottom portion 18 (see FIG. 1). Note that as used herein, phrases such as “top” and “bottom” are relative to the orientation of the parts in the figures, and in actual use the orientation and relative positions can vary.

The bottom portion 18 of each side panel 16 may be connected to a bottom panel 20 (see FIG. 6). The bottom panel 20 may be formed out of a fabric material, including but not limited to solid fabric, mesh fabric, a polymer based material, such as plastic, or other flexible materials. It is contemplated that the bottom panel 20 may be fabricated from a generally inelastic material, since the bottom panel 20 will likely support the weight of items disposed within the container 10. The frame members 14 are contained in pockets located at the edges of flexible panels of known construction of the type found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,188, 6,220,998, and 7,353,963, the complete contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the container 10 may further include side reinforcement straps 22 connected to opposing side panels 16 for providing support to the housing 12. The side reinforcement straps 22 may include a top connecting portion 22 a and a bottom connecting portion 22 b (see FIG. 1) which are fastened to the pocket enclosing the flexible frame of the container, or which have portions encircling the flexible frames 14 or are connected to portions encircling the flexible frames 14. The side reinforcement strap 22 may be sewn to a respective side panel 16 and extend vertically across the respective side panel 16 from a top portion of the side panel 16 to the bottom portion 18 of the side panel 16, as shown in FIG. 1. In this manner, the side reinforcement straps 22 may limit excessive stretching and deformation of the side panels 16 when the container 10 is lifted with a heavy item disposed therein. The weight of the items placed in the container 10 may be transferred to the side reinforcement straps 22 instead of to the side panels 16 when lifting the container 10 by handles 24 (see FIG. 1). The side reinforcement straps 22 may also mitigate ripping or tearing of the side panels 16. Therefore, the side reinforcement straps 22 may facilitate transport and carrying of heavy items placed in the container 10.

The side reinforcement straps 22 may extend upward above the side panels 16 so as to form the handles 24. The side reinforcement straps 22 and the handles 24 may be fabricated from a unitary material. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the handles 24 and the side reinforcement straps 22 may be fabricated from different pieces of material. To this end, the handles 24 may define distal end portions 26 (see FIG. 1) which may be connected (e.g., sewn) to the top portion 22 a (see FIG. 1) of the side reinforcement straps 22. In a further alternative, it is contemplated that the handles 24 may be connected to the frame member 14 instead of the side reinforcement straps 22. By way of example and not limitation, the side reinforcement straps 22 may be wrapped around and sewn to the frame 14.

As previously stated, the container 10 is moveable between a deployed configuration (see FIG. 1) and a stowed configuration (see FIG. 1A). One implementation of the container 10 includes frame members 14 that are bendable between an extended position and a bent position. When the frame members 14 are disposed in the extended position, the container 10 is in the deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. Conversely, when the frame members 14 are disposed in the bent position, the container 10 is in the stowed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A.

It is contemplated that the frame member 14 may be biased toward the extended position and the container 10 may biased toward the deployed configuration. When the container 10 is in the stowed configuration, a tie down strap (not shown) connected to the container 10 may be wrapped around the collapsed container 10 to maintain the container 10 in the stowed configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a first frame 14 a may be disposed at an upper portion of the container 10. Second and third frames 14 b,c may be disposed on ends of the container 10. A fourth frame 14 d may be disposed at a lower portion of the container 10. Each of the frames 14 a,b,c and d may be disposed within seams 28 a,b,c and d. The side panels 16 may be formed by attaching a mesh material to the seams 28 a,b,c and d. The frame member 14 may be arranged in various configurations, depending on the design of the particular container 10. For instance, other embodiments may include additional frame members 14 and seams 28 on the sides of the container 10. The frame member 14 may be formed out of an elongate rod of metal or other suitable material.

The top of the container 10 may be open, as shown in FIG. 1. It is also contemplated that the top may be partially open or selectively closed. For example, the top may have a top panel attached to one of the side panels 16. The top panel may pivot relative to the attached side panel 16 between an open position and a closed position. Alternatively, the top may be completely removably with the side panels 16.

It may also be desirable to also connect bottom reinforcement straps 23 to the bottom panel 20 (see FIG. 6). The bottom reinforcement straps 23 may be connected to the side reinforcement straps 22 which extend upward and form handles 24. The container 10 may be carried by the handles 24. When a load or item is disposed in the collapsible container 10, the load is transferred through the bottom panel 20 to the bottom reinforcement straps 23, the side reinforcement straps 22 and ultimately to the handles 24. The weight of the load is carried by the bottom panel 20, bottom and side reinforcement straps 23, 22 and the handles 24.

In FIGS. 2-3, two side reinforcement straps 22 are attached to each of the opposed side panels 16a. The two side reinforcement straps 22 may be disposed in parallel relation to each other as shown. Alternatively, the two side reinforcement straps 22 may also extend across the side panel 16 in other angular configurations. For instance, the straps 22 may form an “X” configuration across the side panel 12, a “V” configuration or an inverted “V” configuration. The side reinforcement straps 22 may be fastened directly to side panels 16 by sewing, gluing, or other mechanisms. The side reinforcement straps 22 may be attached to the side panels 16 along the entire length of the side panels 16, or alternatively, only at upper and lower portions of the side panels 16.

The side and bottom reinforcement straps 22, 23 may also be directly connected to the seams 28 by sewing, gluing, riveting, or using other mechanical fastening means known by those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that the side and bottom reinforcement straps 22, 23 may be looped around the frame member 14 and connected to itself. It is further contemplated that the side reinforcement straps 22 may be directly connected to the side panels 16, and not the seams 28 or frame member 14.

Although the side reinforcement straps 22 discussed herein are shown as being attached to opposed side panels 16 (i.e., the lateral side panels 16 a or the end side panels 16 b), it is contemplated that one or more side reinforcement straps 22 may be connected to any one or more of the side panels 16. For example, the side reinforcement straps 22 may be connected to the end side panels 16 b as shown in FIGS. 7A-8B. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the side reinforcement straps 22 may be attached to at least one lateral side panel 16 a and at least one end side panel 16 b.

As discussed above, the container 10 may include one or more bottom reinforcement straps 23 connected to the bottom panel 20. By way of example and not limitation, as depicted in FIG. 6, the bottom reinforcement strap(s) 23 may extend between two side panels 16 a along the bottom panel 20. However, it is contemplated that the bottom reinforcement strap(s) 23 may extend between opposing end side panels 16 b or between a lateral side panel 16 a and an end side panel 16 b. The bottom reinforcement strap(s) 23 may extend between and be connected to the bottom portion 22 b (see FIG. 1) of the side reinforcement straps 22. In one embodiment, the bottom reinforcement straps 23, the side reinforcement strap 23 and the handles 24 may be formed of one continuous strap.

The material used for forming the reinforcement straps 22, 23 and the handle 24 is generally inelastic. In this manner, the weight of the item placed in the container is transferred to the handles 24 through the bottom and side reinforcement straps 23, 22 and not the side panels 16. Exemplary materials for the bottom and side reinforcement straps 23, 22 as well as the handles 24 may include, but are not limited to woven nylon, leather or any other suitable material.

The container 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two handles 24 on opposed sides of the container 10. As shown, the side reinforcement straps 22 are disposed on the same side panels 16 as the handles 24. It will be appreciated that the number of the handles 24 and side reinforcement straps 22 and the location of the handles 24 and the side reinforcement straps 22 are not limited to this specific embodiment. By way of example and not limitation, a single side reinforcement strap 22 and single handle 24 can be attached to the bottom portion of the container 10.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the container 10 may further include a closing member 30 formed on the top of opposing side panels 16 to retain the items in the container 10. The closing member 30 may include a first closing element 30 a connected adjacent one side panel 16 and a second closing element 30 b connected adjacent an opposing side panel 16. The first closing element 30 a may be configured to engage with the second closing element 30 b. For instance, the first and second closing elements 30 a, 30 b may include hook and loop fasteners, male and female connectors or other fastening means known by those skilled in the art. The first closing element 30 a is engaged with the second closing element 30 b in FIG. 5A and disengaged form the second closing element 30 b in FIG. 5B. Please note that the top opening of the container 10 is narrowed when the first closing element 30 a is secured to the second closing element 30 b as shown by a comparison of FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIGS. 4A and 4B are end views of the container 10 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively.

It is contemplated that the collapsible container 10 may be used to transfer items from one location to another. Therefore, the container 10 may be placed in the backseat or trunk of a vehicle during such transport. As the vehicle turns, the container 10 may slide and tip, thereby spilling the items placed in the container. Accordingly, the container 10 may include fastening mechanism to mitigate slippage between the container 10 and a support surface, such as the backseat or trunk of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the container 10 includes a hooks-and-loops fastener configured to engage with the upholstery in a vehicle, or to loops or hooks which may be attached to the floor of the vehicle. The hooks-and-loops fastener may be disposed on the bottom panel 20 (see FIG. 6 shown in hidden lines) or on the bottom reinforcement straps 23 (see FIG. 6). By way of example and not limitation, a first part of the hooks and loops fastener may be engaged to the upholstery of the vehicle. A second part of the hooks and loops system may be attached to the bottom panel 20 or on the bottom reinforcement straps 23. The first and second parts of the hooks and loops fastener may be a hooks and loops, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the container 10 may include an adhesive layer, a tacky layer or other fastening means designed to mitigate slipping of the container 10 relative to the support surface.

In an aspect of the container 10, it is contemplated that the first closing element 30 a and the second closing element 30 b of the closing member 30 may be attached into the to an interior of the container 10 which is shown in FIGS. 1, 7A, 7B and 10. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first closing element 30 a and the second closing element 30 b may be attached to the exterior of the container 10. This is shown in FIGS. 9A-9C and 10A. In this manner, when the container 10 is filled with items (e.g., groceries, clothing, parts, etc.) up to or above the seam 28 a, the first closing element 30 a remains outside of the container 10. The user need only grab the first closing element 30 a which is conveniently located outside of the container 10 then attach the same to the second closing element 30 b which is also conveniently disposed on the exterior side of the container 10. When the first and second closing elements 30 a,b are disposed on the interior of the container 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the user must search for the first closing element 30 a when the container 10 is filled with items to the seam 28 a.

In another aspect of the container 10, is it also contemplated that the first closing element 30 a may be fabricated from an elastic material. When the user overstuffs the container 10 with clothing and other items, the first closing element 30 a may be stretched to bring opposed sides of the same 28 a together, as shown in FIG. 10A.

The first closing element 30 a may be fabricated to be equal to or greater than a width 32 (see FIG. 5B) of the seam 28 a. The distal end portion of the first closing element 30 a may have a first part 34 of a hooks and loops system. The second closing element 30 b may have a second part 36 of the hooks and loops system. The second closing element 30 b may be elongate in nature in that a length 38 is greater than a width 40 (see FIG. 5A) of the first closing element 30 a. Preferably, the length 38 of the second closing element 30 b is 2″ or greater. The second part 36 of the hooks and loops system is lined along the length of the second closing element 30 b. In relation to the first part 34 of the hooks and loops system, the first part of a hooks and loops system may be disposed on the distal end portion of the first closing element 30 a. Preferably, the first part 34 is disposed on the distal end portion of the first closing element 30 a to an extent that it allows the user to adjust the opening of the container 10. If the container 10 is overstuffed, then the first closing element 30 a may be attached to the second closing element 30 b at its distal end portion. Conversely, if the container 10 is not overstuffed, then the first closing element 30 a may be wrapped further around the container 10 to squeeze the opening of the container 10 smaller. This is shown by arrow 44 in FIG. 10A. The loosening of the first closing element 30 a is shown by arrow 42 in FIG. 10A.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments. 

1. A collapsible container traversable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the collapsible container comprising: a collapsible housing including: a frame fabricated from a resilient and flexible material; a plurality of side panels connected to the frame, the plurality of side panels being fabricated from a flexible and stretchable material; and a bottom panel connected to the plurality of side panels, the bottom panel being fabricated from a flexible and generally inelastic material; wherein the frame, the plurality of side panels and the bottom panel are flexed to traverse the container to the stowed configuration for compact storage of the collapsible container; a first reinforcing strap connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent a first panel of the plurality of side panels, the first reinforcing strap being fabricated from a generally inelastic material; a second reinforcement strap connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent a second panel opposite from the first panel, the second reinforcement strap being fabricated from a generally inelastic material; and a handle system attached to the first and second reinforcement straps; wherein the handle system, first and second straps and the generally inelastic bottom panel support an item disposed within the collapsible housing when the user grasps the handle system to lift the item.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcement straps are connected to the frame.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein the first and second reinforcement straps are connected to the first and second panels.
 4. The container of claim 1 further comprising a bottom reinforcement strap disposed adjacent to the bottom panel and connected to the first reinforcement strap and the second reinforcement strap.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle system includes first and second handles attached to the first and second reinforcement straps, respectively.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the first and second handles are integrally formed with the first and second reinforcement straps.
 7. The container of claim 1, further comprising third and fourth reinforcement straps, the first and third reinforcement straps being disposed adjacent the first panel in parallel relation to each other, and the second and fourth reinforcement straps being disposed adjacent the second panel in parallel relation to each other.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the handle system includes a first handle connected to the first and third reinforcement straps, and a second handle connected to the second and forth reinforcement straps.
 9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical fastener connected to the bottom panel for connecting the bottom panel to a support surface.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the mechanical fastener includes one part of a hooks and loop fastening system.
 11. A collapsible container for carrying an item, the container being traversable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the collapsible container comprising: a collapsible housing including: a frame fabricated from a resilient and flexible material; a plurality of side panels connected to the frame, the plurality of side panels being fabricated from a flexible and stretchable material; and a bottom portion connected to the plurality of side panels, the bottom portion being fabricated from a flexible and generally inelastic material; wherein the frame, the plurality of side panels, and bottom portion are flexed to traverse the container to the stowed configuration for compact storage of the collapsible container; a first reinforcement strap connected to the bottom portion of the collapsible housing and disposed adjacent a first panel of the plurality of side panels, the first reinforcement strap being fabricated from a generally inelastic material; a second reinforcement strap connected to the bottom portion of the collapsible housing and disposed adjacent a second panel opposite from the first panel, the second reinforcement strap being fabricated from a generally inelastic material; and a handle system attached to the first and second reinforcement straps,; wherein the handle system, first and second reinforcement straps and the bottom portion of the housing support the item disposed within the collapsible housing when the user lifts the collapsible housing with the handle system.
 12. The collapsible container of claim 11, wherein the handle system includes a first handle connected to the first reinforcement strap, and a second handle connected to the second reinforcement strap.
 13. The collapsible container of claim 11, further comprising third and fourth reinforcement straps, the first and third reinforcement straps being disposed adjacent the first side panel in parallel relation to each other, the second fourth reinforcement straps being disposed adjacent the second side panel in parallel relation to each other.
 14. The collapsible container of claim 13, wherein the handle system includes a first handle connected to the first and third reinforcement straps, and a second handle connected to the second and forth reinforcement straps.
 15. The container of claim 11, further comprising a mechanical fastener connected to the bottom portion of the collapsible housing for connecting the bottom portion to a support surface.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the mechanical fastener includes one part of a hooks and loop fastening system.
 17. A collapsible container for carrying an item and being traversable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the collapsible container comprising: a collapsible housing including: a frame fabricated from a resilient and flexible material; a plurality of side panels connected to the frame, the plurality of side panels being fabricated from a flexible and stretchable material; and a bottom panel connected to the plurality of side panels, the bottom panel being fabricated from a flexible material; wherein the frame, the plurality of side panels and the bottom panel are flexed to traverse the container to the stowed configuration for compact storage of the collapsible container; a first reinforcing strap connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent one of the plurality of side panels, the first reinforcing strap being fabricated from a generally inelastic material; a second reinforcement strap connected to the bottom panel and disposed adjacent an opposed panel of the plurality of side panels, the second reinforcement strap being fabricated from a generally inelastic material; and a handle system attached to the first and second reinforcement straps, the handle system fabricated from a generally inelastic material, respectively; a bottom reinforcement strap fabricated from a generally inelastic material, the bottom reinforcement strap connected to the first reinforcement strap and the second reinforcement strap for transferring weight of the item from the bottom reinforcement strap; wherein the handle system, first and second straps and the bottom panel support the item disposed within the collapsible housing when a user grasps the handle system to lift the container.
 18. The container of claim 17 further comprising a closing member attached to an exterior of the collapsible housing.
 19. The container of claim 18 wherein the closing member comprising first and second closing elements, the first closing element being elastic. 